written by Sandra Weber
published by Purple Mountain Press, 1998
This book describes the history of the Heart Lake and
Mount Jo area. Since its discovery in the early 1800s,
the area has always been heralded as a camper's and
tramper's paradise. Henry Van Hoevenberg and his love,
Josephine Schofield, called it the finest square mile in
which to get closest to nature. Today, it is owned by the
Adirondack Mountain Club and is home to their Adirondak
Loj.
Sandra reveals her findings about
Josephine's tragic death, rumored to have occurred at
Niagara Falls. She also tells the stories of fame and
financial ruin, fire and logging, and restoration and
recreation that have occurred on the shores of Heart Lake
and the slopes of Mount Jo.
From the New York State Conservationist,
December 1998:
"Anyone who has ever visited Heart Lake and Adirondak Loj
will enjoy this romp through a history of the area with its
fascinating array of characters...The author is a fine writer,
with a crisp, narrative style and colorful descriptions. Her
extensive research is clearly documented in unobtrusive
footnotes, revealing broad scholarship...This is a delightful
book, attractively laid out and illustrated with black and white
photos, maps, line drawings and some original etchings by Ryland
Loos. The author refers to Mr. Van's 'gift for weaving and
telling a tale which made him a boon companion.' She displays
much the same talent."
From Adirondac, November/December 1998:
"This book will be a real treat...Sandra Weber provides an
in-depth look at the history of this fascinating place and the
man most associated with it, Henry Van Hoevenberg...The
modern-day history of Adirondak Loj and the Adirondack Mountain
Club, which took over its operation in 1957, will be of interest
to aficionados of the High Peaks region and of the Adirondacks in
general. I found the geological and botanical descriptions of the
last chapter of greatest interest. But The Finest Square Mile
is primarily the story of one incredible, driven and love-struck
little man, Henry Van Hoevenberg."
From Adirondack Life, November/December
1998:
"Perhaps no other six-hundred-plus acres has resonated with
so many Adirondack aficionados as the woods and waters around
Adirondak Loj. The Finest Square Mile: Mount Jo and Heart Lake
by Sandra Weber...offers glimpses of Heart Lake's key figures,
from innkeeper Henry Van Hoevenberg to Lake Placid Club leader
Melvil Dewey, flanked by stories of the Adirondack Mountain Club,
Olympic bobsledding and other activities."
View from the west end of Heart Lake 
Mount Jo from Heart Lake 
Mount Jo (front) from The Plains of Abraham 
